Truly a Sweet Sixteen

What is so special about turning sixteen? Well, firstly, it is supposedly sweet, not sure why. Sweet Seventeen also does have a certain ring to it, but the extra syllable could make it a bit more of a mouthful. Sixteen, however, is smack in the middle of teenhood - although I'm not sure how significant that is.

Shannon complains that having a birthday
too close to Christmas results in fewer presents

Teenhood is a significant part of one's formation as a full member of society, let's not minimise that. So I guess if you're midway through the process, it's akin to a cake being half-baked - which is a real cause for celebration! So Shannon is a partially cooked teenager.

Besides some acne issues, and the occasional leg and back pain from too much dancing, she's a pleasant, friendly (to us), and optimistic girl.

Why did I say "(to us)"? It's because she is not really your totally outgoing, social-butterfly who can chat with anyone sitting next to her. She takes a while to warm up to strangers, even those in her age group - but that's ok I guess, no pressure from us. I remember being shy and awkward at sixteen before I became the super-friendly maniac I am today, not!

So Happy Sixteen Shannon! Enjoy your year - this is primetime teenhood, and you have your whole life ahead of you!!